New Delhi, India – A tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station late Saturday night claimed the lives of at least 18 people and left several others injured, officials said. Panic ensued after a large crowd gathered at the station, prompted by announcements of a special train intended for passengers traveling to the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Confusion and chaos dominated the scene within minutes, leading to a disastrous outcome.
The situation escalated when passengers, who had been waiting to board, suddenly surged forward. The prompt swell in the crowd caused some individuals to faint, exacerbating the panic as unfounded rumors of a stampede spread. Authorities responded quickly, with emergency services including the Delhi Fire Service rushing to the scene with four fire tenders.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the tragedy on social media platform X. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a swift recovery. Modi emphasized the government’s commitment to assisting all affected individuals and ensuring their well-being in the aftermath of the incident.
Local police and the Railway Protection Force acted swiftly to manage the crowd and facilitate the transport of those affected to medical facilities. DCP Railway KPS Malhotra confirmed later that the situation had been brought under control. He attributed the initial rush to the delayed arrival of two trains which coincided with an unexpected increase in passenger volume.
In response to the emergency, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw orchestrated the immediate deployment of four special trains to alleviate the crowded conditions at the station, with additional services on standby. Vaishnaw also took to social media to inform the public that efforts were stabilizing the situation. Subsequently, he announced that a high-ranking investigatory commission would be established to delve into the incident’s causes, aiming to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the community reels from this catastrophe, deeper questions about the preparedness and management of public transport hubs during peak travel times are being raised. Experts suggest that better crowd control measures and more efficient communication channels are essential to avoid similar incidents, especially during significant cultural events like the Maha Kumbh, which draw millions of pilgrims from across the nation.
The aftermath of the incident saw an outpouring of support from across the country, with citizens and officials alike calling for enhanced safety protocols. As investigations continue, the focus is on learning from this devastating event to ensure the safety and security of passengers relying on India’s vast railway network, one of the largest in the world.